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QMI Agency

Jun 9, 2011

, Last Updated: 7:39 PM ET

Looks like forward Chris Drury's playing days in the Big Apple have come to an end.

The New York Rangers, saddled with an unwieldy five-year, $35.25-million contract Drury signed in 2007, will cut ties with the 34-year-old when the NHL buyout period starts June 15, according to the New York Daily News.

Buying out Drury, who has an annual salary cap hit of $7.05, would save the Rangers $3.3 million against the cap. The Rangers could also buy out forward Wojtek Wolski, saving another $3.3 million.

Drury missed 58 games because of injury in 2010-11. He had just one goal and four assists in 24 games.

Lambert was promoted from his post as coach of the Milwaukee Admirals of the AHL. In four seasons coaching Milwaukee, Lambert was 178-118-37.

"Lane is one of the best young up-and-coming coaches in the sport today," Predators general manager David Poile said. "Similar to our philosophy on player development, we believe in promoting from within whenever possible. Lane has successfully coached and mentored more than half the players on our current roster, and many more who are coming through the pipeline, so he will fit seamlessly into Barry Trotz's staff."

Irbe out in Washington

Arturs Irbe will not return to the Washington Capitals as the goalie coach next season.

The Caps said Thursday Irbe wants to spend more time with his family. His contract is set to expire soon anyway.

Irbe was goalie coach for the Capitals the past two seasons, working with youngsters Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov. He played 13 years in the NHL, going 218-236-0 with a career 2.83 goals-against average and .899 save percentage.